Naval Station to lower speed limit on Aquidneck Island road

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (WLNE) – Naval Station Newport and surrounding communities have agreed to lower the speed limit on a local road.

Officials say they have decided to decrease the posted limit of Burma Road from 45 MPH to 35 MPH starting March 1.

Burma Road, also known as Defense Highway, runs through Middletown and Portsmouth, on the west side of Aquidneck Island.

Authorities cite an increase in motor vehicle accidents and traffic violations as reasons for the decrease in speed.

The Navy says they expect to have new speed-limit signs posted just before the March move to reduce the limit.

Officials add that local towns plan to place mobile sign trailers on or near Burma Road to alert drivers of the new speed limit.